The Election Commission of Bangladesh has taken a significant action against Sheikh Hasina. On Wednesday, the commission announced that the former Prime Minister’s National Identity Card (NID) has been locked. This action will prevent her from voting in the general elections scheduled for February of the following year.
Election Commission Secretary, Akhtar Ahmed, stated in a press release that the former PM Hasina’s NID has been locked. He further explained that individuals whose NIDs are locked cannot vote from abroad.
Not only Hasina, but also the NIDs of her family members and close associates have been locked. Officials disclosed that Hasina’s younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and daughter Saima Wazed Putul, have also had their NIDs blocked.
Furthermore, Rehana’s children, as well as Sheikh Hasina’s former security advisor, retired Major General Tariq Siddiqui, and his family, have been barred from voting. Secretary Ahmed did not provide comments regarding this matter.
National Identity Cards (NID) serve as identification documents that allow people residing abroad to participate in their country’s elections. Secretary Ahmed elaborated that individuals who have fled abroad to avoid justice or for other reasons are still eligible to vote in their country’s general elections, provided their NID cards are active and not blocked.
It’s worth noting that Sheikh Hasina was compelled to flee to India due to a violent student movement last year, which led to the downfall of her government. Subsequently, Muhammad Yunus assumed the role of chief advisor to the interim government, leading to the trial of Hasina and other leaders of her government for crimes against humanity and suspension of the Awami League party’s activities.